Recent content by Aspen

The key word in your MOC's Academy Coordiantor's statement is 'unranked'. I believe that means your MOC, like the majority of MOC's, will submit the list of nominees without designating a principal nominee. Unless you were going to be the principal nominee, this helps your chances since it...

Without question the rings are highly cherished by the firsties. Our son said the cadets stare in awe at the rings since they are one of the first tangible proofs that graduation is both real and near. Congratulations to all the firsties, and their incredibly supportive families.

A word or warning regarding dropping auto insurance coverage on your cadet. Although cadets are not allowed to have cars at USMA until the spring semester of their junior year, cadets will borrow cars from upperclass cadets. Some will also rent cars on the weekends for trips. Cadets...

Make sure to get your complete junior year transcript sent to USMA. It's one of the pieces USMA usually wants in hand before sending out LOA's. Getting your file updated as soon as possible is imperative. As you may have heard, West Point experienced an unusually low decline rate for the...

Rest assured, unfilled slots allocated for active and reserve duty soldiers are ultimately filled by other candidates. That's how the class size remains at about 1300 each year.

Your leadership and athletics look strong and you've identified your major weakness in your SAT scores. Unless you expect to be a recruited athlete, make sure you allocate your time accordingly and work to strengthen your SAT scores. Extracuriculars are important, but they won't overcome a...

Don't know if it will change, but the Firsties wore India Whites at the Friday night banquet before graduation in 2009.

It may not happen with your son, but be prepared and understanding if his mood changes a couple of days before he returns. According to our son who graduated this year from USMA, cadets can have mixed feelings about returning after the first Christmas leave. There are several reason why...

Here is some recently released information on the Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS). You can apply online beginning December 14 at http://admissions.westpoint.edu/. SLS 2010 will take place in two separate sessions 29 May-4 June 2010 and 5-11 June 2010. It will bring together approximately 1000...

During New Cadet Training (Beast Barracks) two Army Physical Fitness Tests (APFT) are administered. The APFT includes pushups, situps and a two mile run. The first test (strictly diagnostic) is given during the first week of Beast. This year 41% of the entering New Cadets failed this first...

west point, It is very rare that a candidate with an LOA does not get a nomination.

First, congratulations on your appointment to West Point and your decision to pursue a career in service to our country. As the previous poster indicated, you will receive information about the personal items you can bring to USMA when you report on R-Day. They are very limited and easily fit...

Great post M2inOR. Here's some additional information on the 2013 Class. Applications: 11107 Qualified Candidates: 2058 Offers: 1500-1600 Admitted: 1299 Nominations: 3729 This means that about 75% of qualified...

vampsol, You'll need to be able to run 2 miles non-stop in less than 16 minutes (male) or 19 minutes (female). Throughout your time at USMA you will have to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test twice a year. This test includes situps(within 2 minutes), pushups(with 2 minutes) and a 2 mile...

Here are a few more tidbits of info regarding the Corps of Cadets and its ranks. The Cadet Colors, which are black, gray and gold, are derived from the components of gunpowder - charcoal, saltpeter and sulfur. Fourth Class Cadets are Privates and wear no insignia of rank, but are...